Ernest R. Ballek, age 79, of Springfield Township PA, died Tuesday, February 11, 2003 at the Hospice Unit at St. Luke's Hospital, Fountain Hill PA. He was the Husband of Helen I. (Zisko) Ballek. The couple celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary last June.

Born in Riegelsville PA, he was the son of the late Peter and Mary (Fuicz) Ballek. He worked in the Lehigh Pattern Shop at the Bethlehem Steel Co. for 41 years, retiring in 1993. He also worked at Thompson Motors, Springtown PA and assisted his son after his retirement. He was a Veteran of the United States Army during World War II as Gunnery Sergeant, having served in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska. He was a former Member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Durham PA, serving the past Church Council and Property Division. He was also a Life Member, past Treasurer and Greeting Committee of the Springfield Township Lions Club; Little League Manager of the Silver Creek Athletic Little League Teams; and Host Family for 20 years for Lehigh and Lafayette International Graduate Students.

He is survived by his Wife; Son, David A. Ballek of Hellertown PA; Sister, Anna Pektor of Hellertown PA; and 1 Step Granddaughter. He is predeceased in death by his Brother, Peter H. Ballek.

Funeral Services will be held 8:00 p.m. Friday, February 14, 2003 in the Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc., 326 Main Street, Hellertown PA. Family and Friends may call 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Friday in the Funeral Home.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the VNA Hospice at St. Luke's Hospital, 709 Delaware Avenue, Fountain Hill PA 18015.